Inglewood is a city in Los Angeles county. When people ask where I am from I often say “I’m from LA," because Inglewood is a city that is often stereotyped and known as ghetto and “not safe.” I am not saying Inglewood is the safest city but it is not a city full of people mugging and shooting each other. Inglewood is a city full of love and rich history. History, that has been pushed aside and replaced by negative stigma.
People: Where are you from?
Me: Inglewood.
*Here are nine different things people say to me after they learn Inglewood is my hometown*
1.“Inglewood up to no good!”
I have heard this slogan more than 100 times.
2. “You do not look like you are from Inglewood.”
How do people from Inglewood look? Are we a different type of species.
3. “Inglewood is dangerous.”
Personally, I have never experienced anything life threatening. Inglewood has its fair share of crimes but it is dangerous everywhere. When you find a city that has a 0% crime rate, please let me know. Actually, a terrifying experience is when 4 chihuahuas chased me from the corner of 112th St. to Crenshaw. In my, defense I was 8 and did not know those dogs were vicious.
4. Assume you are “hood” and feel it is acceptable for them to call you “homie."
Being called names because you are from a certain area is very stereotypical. People also assume you are hard/tough and become intimidated especially if you are a man with a bigger physique. They also think that if they mess with you, you know someone who will handle them. This is sometimes cool, but not always the case.
5. Assume you are ghetto.
People automatically assume you are loud and wild. Then are surprised when they realize you are a civilized human and speak proper English.
6. “Have you been to the Forum?”
Yes, I have. I went to my first Disney on Ice show when I was a little girl. My graduating class 2014 from Morningside High School graduated at the Forum. The Forum was home to the Lakers. Then the Lakers, along with the Kings and the L.A. Sparks — moved east to Staples Center in 1999. The MTV Music Awards were hosted by the Forum and a variety of artists have performed such as Jackson 5,The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, Foo Fighters, Chris Brown, The Weeknd, and many more talented artists. Rihanna is performing at the Forum May 3-4, I am so stoked. Some people simply run or walk around the forum or use the parking lot to practice driving.
7. “Oh, you are from the movie 'Dope.'” “Do you know the song by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg?”
I am not from the movie Dope, but the movie Dope does take place in Inglewood. However, not all the details in the movie are true. It was an inspiring and eye-opening movie. There are a few streets where it is perceived as ghetto and it is known as the “Bottoms."
Yes, I have heard the song, The Next Episode. No, not all of us smoke weed on our way to school and get drunk every day.
8. “Do you have to be inside your house before sunset?” “Is it scary to walk in your neighborhood?”
Um, Inglewood is not the Purge or anything similar to that. It is not a terrible city, my neighborhood was quite calm. There have been crimes, very much alike to any other city. Take precautions and simply, do not walk alone late at night.
9. “You are one of the fortunate ones for getting out of there.”
I guess.. thanks. I am not fortunate or lucky for getting out of Inglewood. Inglewood is home and I worked hard to better my future. Just like all the other students from different cities. There are struggles and Inglewood is not known for having the best academics, which is what made us work harder to get where we are.
Here are advantages of living in Inglewood regardless of all the negative stereotypes:
- If you grew up in Inglewood, there are many fast food places, but all time favorites are: Tio's Tacos, Brolly Hut, Astros,and Randy’s Donuts.
- After school, there are two popular parks we went to hang out with our friends: Darby and Worthington Park.
- As we got older we began to hang out at the beaches and have bonfires with our closest friends or hang out at the Pier. The beach is about 15-30 minutes away.
- The Hollywood Park racetrack was enjoyable. Growing up and watching the horses race on Sunday afternoons was fun but it has recently be torn down.
- The Rams' home will ultimately be on the site of the old Hollywood Park racetrack in Inglewood. I am not a die hard football fan so I suggest that is exciting for our city.
- When you meet someone from Inglewood in a different city, they say “Inglewoood” (emphasis on the extra o’s) and then you both act like you have known each other for some time.
Inglewood is also known as the City of Champions. Many great people have come through our city and legacy's are born every day here. Let's not continue to stereotype the people who are from low-income cities. If you go visit keep an open mind, it is a great city.
